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Comicscape: JinnRise

Uncorking the bottle

By Joel Rickenbach
January 16, 2013Source: Mania.com

Full disclosure- I know the creators behind JinnRise. When I found out they scored a publishing deal with IDW I immediately thought about how I would go about writing a column for their new book. Obviously there’s quite a conflict of interest, and the risk of posting a glorified commercial is rather high. So, I made a pact with myself—If I liked the book, then I would write about it, if I didn’t, then I would find a convenient excuse as to why I couldn’t (Sorry fellas, Bob Trate is making me write about Spider-Man… AGAIN!) Obviously, since you’re reading this, you have the answer- I dug JinnRise.

The first issue goes by in a flash. A Terminator reference here, a Star Wars reference there, Aliens, a big blue kick ass Djinn, some face punching, and boom- to be continued. I appreciate the pace, and I’m trusting the veggies are on the horizon, since the first issue goes straight to the cake, but I’m guessing some will be left wanting more. That’s ok though, the book has a mighty hook- Genies vs Aliens. The book opens with two American students navigating the bazaars of Marrakesh. They’re a bit cocky, and unaware of the culture around them. Speaking of culture, there’s also an armada of alien ships preparing to invade Earth, because our culture is deemed unworthy, and must be subjugated. The invasion begins, and all hell breaks loose. The students’ attitude is gone, replaced by fear, and a bit of regret. In a nice twist of kindness, one of the students, Andrew, is helped by a trader he previously wronged, and a camelback chase for their very lives ensues. It doesn’t last long, as the mount favored by desert travelers is no match for the alien invasion force. Things are looking dim for our fleeing student, until a lost piece of culture, and one the aliens probably don’t expect, comes to the rescue- a giant, blue, arse-kicking Genie. Cue panels of hot, unadulterated genie action.

As I mentioned earlier- there’s still a lot to be done for writer, Sohaib Awan and artist, Tony Vassallo to see this through, but there are some very interesting and unique ideas that make JinnRise worth your while. Besides the genie angle, which is very cool, there’s a karmic feeling to the soul of the book, which sets it apart from your average alien invasion tale. It also is much more world-aware than most of its comic peers. One of the little touches I really liked was the conceit that the alien race is told not to use all the technology at its disposal. Instead, they are encouraged to turn off their targeting computers, and shoot womp rats like they did back home. It’s a curious little touch, and I hope to see more like it in future issues. Tony Vassallo’s art is a stand out, he uses an animated, cartoonish style which works to give the book an identity. His designs for the alien race are rather cool, there’s a definite Fifth Element vibe at play.

JinnRise has enough hooks and new ideas to earn your attention. I have a feeling there’s some really interesting stuff on the horizon, particularly the mythology behind the genie(s). It may feel like a familiar tale at its most basic, but once you start adding these new pieces of mythology, you start to get something very cool. When you’re at the comic shop this week, reach for the big blue genie!

COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

Mmmm, may be interesting but doesn't seem to have enough for me to add in my list.

Here's some great books to consider also:

- Caligula: heart of Rome (Avatar) = great art, crazy story based on the maniac Caligula (you need to read first serie of 6 issues first)

- Indestructible Hulk (Marvel) = Hulk is back and couldn't look better (well, it could if Perez, Byrne or Keown was back on the book), Waid is a great writer for the character and what he did for Daredevil is even better with Huk

- All new X-Men (Marvel) = All you Bendis hater will have a hard time hating this book, it really follows A Vs X and really have fun with the characters and throws in some unexpected moves from different characters, great storytelling.

- Age of Bronze (Image) = Just got the first 2 trades but the art and story of the Trojan War is great...granted the last issue came out after almost 3 years from the issue before but still.

jedibanner, so you really enjoyed the age of bronze. I have some friends of mine who don't even really collect comics or trades tell me how good they are that should have been a clue to pick it up. I'll be picking it up on amazon with my next order.

I'm a trade guy but I will defintely check out waid's hulk when it hits and it has taken all my self control not to go out and buy the all new x-men off stands. It sounds like from the reviews my patience will be rewarded.

Jinnrise sounds cool to me and the art is great. Have to wait and see but I'm interested.